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Helpful InformationPublished January 19, 2026
Should You Accept the First Offer on Your Michigan Home?
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Should You Accept the First Offer on Your Michigan Home?
You’ve just listed your home. Showings start. Interest builds.
And suddenly… you get your first offer.
It’s exciting — and a little nerve-wracking.
Most Michigan sellers ask us the same question:
💬 “Should I accept the first offer? Or wait to see what else comes in?”
The truth?
Sometimes the first offer is the best one you’ll see.
Other times, waiting could cost you thousands.
Let’s break down how to make the right call.
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1. First Offers Often Come From the Most Serious Buyers
Buyers who write early are usually:
• Actively watching new listings
• Pre-approved
• Motivated
• Ready to move fast
• Familiar with your neighborhood
• Prepared for a competitive market
These are buyers who know exactly what they want — and that’s valuable.
They’re not “just browsing.”
They’re ready.
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2. The First Offer Tells You How the Market Sees Your Home
A first offer is feedback. It tells you:
✔ Did we price correctly?
✔ Did the home show well?
✔ Was the marketing effective?
✔ How strong is buyer demand?
A good early offer means you struck the right balance.
A weak early offer means we adjust — quickly.
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3. Waiting Does Not Always Mean a Higher Price
There’s a myth that:
“If we wait a little, we’ll get something better.”
Sometimes true…
But often the opposite.
Here’s what typically happens when sellers wait too long:
❌ Showings slow
❌ Buyers assume something’s wrong
❌ Competing inventory enters the market
❌ Negotiating power shifts
❌ Buyers expect price reductions
❌ You end up taking less later
A stale listing is far more expensive than a slightly lower offer upfront.
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4. Here’s When You Should Strongly Consider Accepting the First Offer
✔ It’s at (or above) list price
✔ It has clean terms
✔ Buyer is fully pre-approved
✔ Possession matches your timeline
✔ Inspection terms are reasonable
✔ The home has strong showing traffic
When these align, turning down the first offer can be risky.
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5. And Here’s When You Might Want to Wait
You may not want to accept immediately if:
• You received multiple offers quickly
• The initial offer is far under list price
• Terms are messy or high-risk
• The buyer is underqualified
• You have a unique home likely to attract a niche buyer
• The home is in a hot subdivision (Canton, Novi, Brighton, etc.) with historically strong demand
In these scenarios, waiting strategically (not indefinitely) can pay off.
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6. Michigan Market Data: First Offers Are Often Strongest
Based on current Southeast Michigan trends:
📊 42% of accepted offers happen in the first 14 days
📊 Homes that sit longer than 21 days sell for 3–5% less on average
Because the best buyers tend to come early,
your strongest leverage is at the beginning — not the middle or the end.
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7. The Best Approach: Evaluate the Whole Picture, Not Just the Price
When reviewing a first offer, we help sellers look at:
• Price
• Buyer strength
• Inspection terms
• Appraisal risk
• Possession
• Concessions
• Financing type
• Timeline
• Contingencies
• Competitiveness
Sometimes the highest offer isn’t the best one.
Sometimes the first offer is the best one.
It’s all about strategy — not emotion.
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8. Bottom Line
You don’t have to say yes to the first offer.
But you definitely shouldn’t ignore it.
A strong agent helps you evaluate:
✔ What it’s worth
✔ What the alternatives look like
✔ Where the market is today
✔ Whether waiting is wise or costly
If you want a second opinion on your offer — even if you’re not ready to list — we’re here to help you make the smartest, safest financial decision.
Are you buying or selling a home?
When are you planning on buying a new home?
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